Description: Medicinal Plant Biotechnology for Ameliorated Secondary Metabolite Production delivers a cutting-edge perspective on how biotechnology is reshaping the way medicinal plants are studied and utilized. By integrating advanced molecular techniques, precision genetic tools, bioprocessing strategies, and analytical platforms, this volume addresses the critical challenge of enhancing the biosynthesis and optimization of high-value bioactive compounds.
The book moves beyond technical innovation to emphasize its role in meeting global demand for plant-derived therapeutics while ensuring ecological balance. It highlights how advancements can drive sustainability, reduce reliance on synthetic alternatives, and open new pathways to ensure the long-term viability of plant genetic material and biodiversity preservation. This future-oriented approach makes the volume not just a specialized reference, but a strategic guide for shaping the next generation of plant-based functional solutions. Part of the Medicinal and Industrial Plants and Products series, this state-of-the-art resource boasts a holistic approach with relevance across stakeholders in academic and industrial contexts seeking practical insights that can be adapted to diverse plant species and scaled for real-world industrial and commercial uses.Brief description: Saikat Gantait is an assistant professor in genetics & plant breeding, as well as a plant breeder in the Crop Research Unit, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV). Following completion of his PhD in Biotechnology from BCKV, he gained advanced research experience leading a group to conduct fruitful research while working as a research associate in a DBT (Govt. of India)-funded project, followed by working as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He has guided/co-guided multiple MSc and PhD students. His 15-year research works so far include molecular markers, plant tissue culture, polyploidy-induction, short-term (encapsulation/synthetic seed) and long-term (cryopreservation) conservation of medicinal and ornamental plant germplasms. In addition, he serves as an Editorial Board Member for several journals from Springer Nature, Elsevier, and Frontiers. Dr. Gantait has reviewed more than 400 manuscripts as an ad-hoc reviewer in more than 65 different eminent journals from Springer, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, PLoS, and Wiley, among others. Dr. Gantait was awarded with a Post-Doc fellowship from MOHE, Malaysia, and successfully completed a 2-year advanced training at University Putra Malaysia on plant tissue culture and germplasm conservation. His name has been included in the list of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide (2023) by Stanford University. To date, Dr. Gantait has published >160 articles/chapters/books in peer-reviewed journals and books (with a cumulative SCI Impact Factor of >325 and >4500 Google Scholar citations), mostly as the first/senior author.